BIA Victoria - Show News
The latest Melbourne International Boat & Lifestyle Show News
The 2008 Event
The 2007 Docklands Boat Show was a major success. Now we’re taking it to the next level. The on-going expansion of Melbourne’s Docklands precinct and the increased demand in Victoria for larger boats gave the BIA a new vision for the Summer Show and beyond.
In conjunction with the City of Melbourne and other major sponsors, the Melbourne International Boat and Lifestyle Show is a complete new concept that will run for three days in February and feature:
• Hugh varitey of on-water exhibits
•An on-land display area stretching along the Docklands promenade from NewQuay to Waterfront City
•Over 30 outdoor marquees placed around these 3 key areas
•A “Watersports” zone with a highlight feature on land Pro Wakeboarding Competition.
There is no doubt that the largest and most successful boat shows are on-water. The larger cruising and sail boat segment has benefited significantly over the last 12 months as retiree wealth is directed to this market. The Industry has stated that Melbourne has a “golden opportunity” to create one of the finest shows in the country in the newly developed luxury Docklands precinct.
The Venue
Melbourne’s new Docklands precinct is a 200 hectare, $10 billion premium waterfront development minutes from the heart of the city. The 2008 Melbourne International Boat and Lifestyle Show aims to not only promote recreational boating but all the excitement that a boating lifestyle brings. The support of Waterfront City and NewQuay also ensures that we will be showcasing Docklands as a desired boating destination for Victorians and interstate travellers.
Melbourne has long been regarded as the event capital of Australia, hosting such prestigious events as The Australian Open, Formula 1 Australia Grand Prix, the Spring Racing Carnival and more. Now, with the increased support of the City of Melbourne, the Melbourne International Boat and Lifestyle Show will become one of Melbourne’s “Signature” events – promoting the wealth of the Marine Industry in Victoria as a key player nationally.
Wakeboarding Boards Boat Show!
As part of the major transformation of Melbourne International Boat and Lifestyle Show, for the first time show goers will be treated to the adrenaline of the on land Pro Wakeboarding Competition.
29-year-old Daniel Watkins is two times World Cup Champion and World Series champion, whilst 19-year-old Dean Smith is the current Australian Pro Tour of Wakeboarding champion. Both men will are looking to competing at the show, which takes place at Docklands from the 1 – 3 February 2008, along with an abundance of other top Australian talent.
Kim Mastrowicz, Event Coordinator for the Boating Industry Association of Victoria, said : “We are thrilled to welcome some of Australia’s top sporting talent to our show. Wakeboarding is the fastest growing water sport in the world and Australia has been the world leader for the past three years, so we are excited to be able to showcase one of the more extreme sides of the boating lifestyle. The competition is all part of our vision to introduce the show to a completely different demographic of people.”
The on land Pro Wakeboarding competition has been described as being reminiscent of the skate park with specially engineered winch equipment and brand new supersized wave pools with extreme rails.
And that’s not all that will be on offer for water sports enthusiasts. Boats from the forthcoming Australian Offshore Super Boat Championships will also be on display with an opportunity to meet the drivers.
The show is set to be bigger and better than previous years, with an array of Australia’s largest and most powerful boats descending on the docklands precinct. The weekend will include a heavy lifestyle focus and will be full of entertainment for families, boaties, water sport enthusiasts and the general public.
City of Melbourne has deemed the Show one of Melbourne’s signature events and is supporting organiser, the Boating Industry Association of Victoria, in its aim to grow the show over the coming years into an internationally recognised affair. This new concept and vision was inspired by the expansion of Melbourne’s Docklands precinct, the increased demand in Victoria for big boats and the outdoor lifestyle.
There will be a huge variety of boats making up an amazing on water display where patrons will be invited on board to experience the boating dream for themselves! The on land component of the Show will be made up of numerous outdoor marquees, along with trailer boat displays stretching the length of the promenade from NewQuay to Waterfront City.
The latest marine equipment will be on display, along with an abundance of advice and expertise. Interactive water based activities, including sailing a yacht, paddling a canoe or taking a ride on a motorboat will run over the week end. Street entertainment, children’s activities, food and fashion will also play a major role.
The majority of the show is free to the public. Admission charges apply for the marina exhibits only - Adults $10; Families $20 (2 Adults 3 Children); Under 16s & Pension Card Holders $5.
Additional sponsors include, Club Marine, NewQuay, Waterfront City, Marine Safety Victoria, The Age, Channel 7 and Boatpoint.com.au
2007 News -
Docklands Boat Show is biggest ever for 2007
More than $80 million worth of boats starred at the 2007 Docklands Boat Show, presented by Club Marine and hosted by NewQuay Marina and Waterfront City.
Docklands Boat Show was the biggest ever for 2007.
More than $80 million worth of boats were on display, presented by Club Marine and hosted by NewQuay Marina and Waterfront City.
This year’s show was the biggest ever, with 103 big boats on the water – twice as many as two years ago – and an even greater number in on-land displays.
Trailerable boats spanned the entire promenade and piazza – and one lucky patron one a $30,000 Mustang Clubsport 545 package complete with Honda 75hp motor and Mackay trailer.
There was a fantastic competition to win an amazing “Money Can’t Buy Experience” including a champagne cruise on a luxury Sunseeker motor yacht, a night at Crown Towers and land transport in a chauffeured Rolls-Royce.
The Show’s rapid expansion has attracted several major new brands of boats to join the established show favourites such as Sunseeker, Riviera and Caribbean.
Luxury international brands Princess and Beneteau Powerboats and top Australian brands Maritimo and Deep Vee were among those that made their southern show debut at Docklands.
Exhibitors went all-out to make the Show something special, with impressive marina display areas and even an artificial tropical island.
With the vastly expanded site, the Show confirms its place as one of the major Australian on-water boat shows, and it offers great value for patrons.
The on-land exhibits were in public space, and therefore free, and prices to enter the marinas were just $10 for adults, $5 concession and just $20 for a family ticket for two adults and any number of children.
More information:
Event Coordinator: Kim Mastrowicz kim@biavic.com.au 0425 77 11 99
